I have stayed many times at Hotel Vintage Park. When I lived in the area in the 2000’s, it was a downtown staycation hotel, and I have stayed at least three times at Vintage Park since I moved away. My experiences here and at the nearby Monaco fueled my love for the Kimpton brand, and I have stayed in Kimptons for 20-plus years in cities throughout the country and even abroad, staying at a few multiple times. I think the wine in the lobby concept may have begun here (?), since the hotel is wine-themed with each room named after a Washington winery.
So, it is a little difficult to give the hotel a mediocre review. The 4 stars is out of loyalty — I might give it 3 stars or lower if I didn’t have such a connection with the property. (I just went back and changed the rating to 3 - that is more accurate.)
I have stayed many times at the nearby Fairmont Olympic over the years, and these hotels are different in almost all respects.
The good parts — location is superlative. It is walking distance to virtually everything downtown and an easy stroll to Pikes and Pacific Places and Nordstrom, et al. My room was high (10th) and large and even had a water and sunset view, which is unusual. And the wine and traditional building are delightful. The restaurant, Tulio, is easily among the best in the entire city.
The bad parts — upkeep has been poor over the past 20 years, and deferred maintenance is showing. Paint on the doors, walls and trim is scratched and in need, the halls are fairly dingy, with aging carpets. It feels like an aging hotel that has not had any real love or effort in far too long. I plan to stay at the Monaco next time to see if it is has been maintained any better. (I stayed in Denver Monaco the year before, and that hotel is also in need of serious refreshing, to say the least.
My room was large and on the corner of a top floor. But the housekeeping closet is little in front of that door, and housekeeping left the door open and parked the carts right there. Not a good feeling at all for a hotel that has standards.
Parking is excellent in terms of staffing and quality. But it is expensive at $60 a night. (Go for the parking package with the room.).
Front desk staff is usually kind and good.
I recommend it because it is an institution (for me) and part of many good memories. But I would be hesitant to recommend to anyone with higher standards or if the price were super high during a high season — there are definitely better options if prices are high.
